Your child’s first visit to the Children Dentist should happy and carefree.  Bringing your child to the dentist robina when they are 2 or 3 three years old helps your child feel comfortable in the dental surgery and usually leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits. Our goal is to make sure your child’s dental visits are stress free and fun!

How do I prepare my child and myself for the visit?

Before the visit, ask the dentist about the procedures of the first appointment so there are no surprises. Very young children may feel happier if sitting on a parents lap. Talk to your child about what to expect, and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit. Most children visiting Hains Dental a happy to sit back and relax watching TV while we look after their teeth!  You can even bring in a movie for them to watch.

What will happen on the first visit?

Many first visits are nothing more than introductory icebreakers to acquaint your child with the dentist and the practice. Regular,  successive visits will build the child’s trust in the dentist and the dental surgery, and can prove invaluable if your child needs to be treated later for any dental problems.Appointments for very young children are often best scheduled earlier in the day, when your child is alert and fresh.A first appointment usually lasts between 10 to 20 minutes and may include the following, depending on age:

• A ride in the chair and a quick look in the child’s mouth
• A gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development, and observe any problem areas
• If indicated, a gentle cleaning, which includes polishing the teeth and removing any plaque, tartar buildup or stains
• X-rays

The dentist can answer any questions you have and will try to make you and your child feel comfortable throughout the visit.

When should the next visit be?

Children, like adults, should see the dentist every six months.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule – Bulk Billing for Children

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule provides a capped benefit entitlement for basic dental services for children aged 2-17 in families who meet a means test. The means test is the same as the prior Medicare Teen Dental Plan, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A or other relevant Australian Government payments.Services for basic essential dental treatment, such as examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, extractions, and partial dentures. Many of these services have claiming restrictions. Patients will have access to dental benefits entitlements capped (indexed annually) over a two calendar year period. For 2014, the benefit is capped at $1000 per child*.* For more information and to confirm your individual benefit please contact the Department of Health/ Medicare.Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and cannot be paid for any services provided in a hospital

Please refer to our page on the Child Dental Benefits Scheme for more information.

When should I start brushing baby’s teeth?

We recommend that you start cleaning your baby’s teeth at least once a day as soon as you can see a tooth emerging. By starting early, your baby will become used to having her teeth cleaned. Remember your baby’s gums will feel tender, make sure you are not too vigorous when brushing and use a small head soft brush with a very small amount low-fluoride baby toothpaste.

When should I start bringing my child in to the dentist?

We generally recommend about the age of 3 years is an appropriate age. All their baby teeth are through by then along with a certain level of maturity so that they are not frightened by what they first see when they walk into the surgery.

What to do when a Baby tooth falls out?

Usually you will not need to do anything, except call the tooth fairy! But if bleeding does not stop on its own – place a gauze pad, clean washcloth or tea towel over the bleeding area. Keep it in place for 15 minutes, repeat as necessary.

How long should I keep brushing my child’s teeth?

At about the age of 8 children generally develop the dexterity to properly brush their own teeth. However this should still be done under supervision until they reach 10 years of age just to make sure that are carefully brushing all surfaces.

What do I do if a tooth is dislodged or knocked out?

Forgot the mouth guard or just fell off the bike! Don’t worry, what you need to do is then try to push it back into place if the tooth is dislodged and come and see us as soon as possible. If you can’t place it yourself then we can do it for you in the surgery. If the tooth is knocked out then place it into a glass of milk and call us as soon as you can. We can usually get the tooth back in but further treatment will be required.